The Countess Page 0,20

was not wel liked at school and was only ever included in things because he was Richard's brother, which just made him act worse. He was envious of how wel liked Richard was and bitter that as the older twin Richard would gain the title on their father's death." He sighed and then admitted quietly, "I suspect it was Richard who died in the fire and George just took his place."

Christiana shook her head and pointed out, "But if it real y was Richard who died in the fire, George had no need to impersonate him. He would have gained everything anyway."

"That's true, but . . ." Robert shook his head. "I suspect that wouldn't have been enough for George. He would have stil been George. Titled or not, and holding al the wealth or not wouldn't have made anyone respect or like him better and I think he envied that most about his brother. Everyone liked and trusted Richard. Being heir to the title and estate never affected Richard. He was natural y kind and considerate and everyone knew and appreciated that."

Those last words resonated through Christiana's head. Richard was natural y kind and considerate and everyone knew and appreciated that . . . like she had on the dance floor just now. The man she'd just danced with had been surprisingly kind and considerate, and she had appreciated it. But he'd shown precious little of either attribute this last year. Was the man she'd married Richard Fairgrave, the Earl of Radnor, or his twin, George? And if it was George, what would that mean to her?

Would their marriage be legal?

"Try to see if he has the birthmark," Robert said quietly. "If he doesn't, come to me at once no matter the hour. I shal handle everything after that."

Christiana nodded unhappily and thought how much simpler life would be had her husband just had the good graces to stay dead . . . If he was her husband.

Chapter Four

If you glare at her any harder she's like to burst into flames."

Richard glanced to the side at that comment from Daniel and scowled. "She is avoiding me by dancing with seemingly every man in the room."

"Not every man," Daniel said with amusement, and then proved he was aware of what had been going on by adding, "Just Langley and his chums. Langley is apparently a longtime family friend. No doubt he has enlisted his friends and associates to keep her away from you."

"Why? I am her husband," Richard pointed out dryly, and then added, "Or at least I am as far as they know."

"That's apparently why," he explained wryly. "According to her sisters, I should be ashamed of claiming you as friend as you have treated her horribly."

Richard raised his eyebrows and Daniel nodded.

"Apparently the best thing you have done for her was to drop dead. Both sisters bemoan your unexpected resurrection."

"Hmmm." Richard peered back to his "wife." The music had ended and her present partner was leading her off the floor. He could see her tensing as she neared the edge of the dance floor and then she suddenly relaxed, a smile curving her lips as Langley stepped up to claim her for another dance. Apparently, he had run out of friends and was risking raised eyebrows by dancing with her for a second time. Gaze narrowing, Richard asked, "A family friend, huh?"

"Like a brother according to Suzette."

Richard grunted and turned his attention back to his wife and Langley. The man was holding her at a respectable distance, but his protectiveness of her was obvious in the way he peered down at her and the gentleness of his hold. Like a brother or not, Langley was far too proprietary with another man's wife. "Did you find out anything else?"

"You mean other than the fact that your brother apparently col apsed in his office this morning and is most likely dead?" Daniel asked dryly. "I should think that would be enough to concern you at the moment. If he is dead it complicates things somewhat."

Richard managed to drag his attention away from "his wife" again as he considered the ramifications. He'd been rather looking forward to confronting his brother, forcing a confession from him and plowing a fist into his face. Actual y, he'd planned to beat the man senseless for al he'd put him through, but that would be out of the question if he was dead.

"There may be some difficulty proving who you are if he's dead,"